§ Mr. Brocklebank-Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations are proceeding through the Council of Europe to bring about harmonisation of national legislation in respect of the sale and possession of firearms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrittanThe Council of Europe has given some consideration to possible ways of working towards this. Its discussions,654W which at this stage are confidential, are expected to continue.
§ Mr. Brocklebank-Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that the term "firearm" as defined in appendix I of the Council of Europe European convention on the control of the acquisition and possession of firearms by individuals is comparable with the definition of "firearms" provided for in section 57 of the Firearms Act 1968.
§ Mr. Brocklebank-Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library all proposals by the Council of Europe for tighter laws on firearms in Europe; and if he will report on the present position of any relevant negotiations.
§ Mr. BrittanA copy of the European convention on the control of the acquisition and possession of firearms by individuals is in the Library of the House. The convention was signed by the United Kingdom on 28 June 1978 subject to certain reservations.